The head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), Ricky Ponting, has played a significant role in transforming the team’s fortunes. Since taking over the reins in 2018, Ponting has turned the previously mediocre side into a genuine title contender, achieving great heights and a maiden final appearance in the 2020 IPL. Under his guidance, DC have qualified for the playoffs three times in a row. Despite narrowly missing out on a playoff spot last season due to late arrivals and injuries, Ricky Ponting will likely have a crucial role to play in leading the team forward, especially with the absence of their captain, Rishabh Pant.
Here are three reasons why Ricky Ponting is expected to play a crucial role in Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2023 campaign.
Bringing The Australian Winning Mindset With David Warner
The Australian pairing of David Warner and Ricky Ponting is set to lead Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2023, with Warner taking over the captaincy in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Warner’s past success as captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) provides optimism for DC. As an Australian pairing, their shared mentality for relentless winning is expected to enhance the team’s performance. The success of DC will hinge on the synergy between the two, with Ponting’s role as head coach being crucial. Warner’s experience as a senior member and mentor for Pant, as well as his constant communication with the bowlers, will undoubtedly help the team. However, it has been a while since he has led a team in a conventional sense, given his leadership ban imposed by Cricket Australia (CA).
Behind the Growth of Talented and Fringe Indian Players
Ricky Ponting’s influence on Indian cricket goes beyond just his success as a player. As a coach, he has been instrumental in nurturing the talent of several Indian youngsters during his stints with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. The current DC squad is a mix of established international players and promising Indian talent, including players like Prithvi Shaw, Chetan Sakariya, Sarfaraz Khan, and Yash Dhull. With the responsibility of unlocking their full potential, Ponting’s expertise and mentorship will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket. In addition, Ponting has already built a strong relationship with DC captain Rishabh Pant, which bodes well for the team’s success in the upcoming IPL season.
Ponting has expressed that he believes the upcoming season will be crucial for Prithvi Shaw’s career. While the talented youngster has yet to secure a permanent spot on the national team, he has demonstrated impressive performances in past IPL seasons and has garnered praise from Ponting.
Another player who is in a crucial phase of his career is Sarfaraz Khan. With the absence of Pant, he is likely to be the primary wicket-keeper for the team in the upcoming season. A successful season in IPL 2023 could potentially lead to his first national team call-up, even though it is a different format.
Unifying The Squad: Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting’s importance to the Delhi Capitals setup goes beyond just his cricketing expertise. When the head coach was in isolation during the middle of the 2022 season, the team struggled with disarray. With Rishabh Pant now absent, Ponting’s presence has become even more crucial. Pant is an irreplaceable player, and his absence will be felt, especially as DC returns to the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium after four years. Ponting will have to oversee the integration of new players who joined after the IPL 2023 mini-auction, as well as deal with losses such as Shardul Thakur, all in pursuit of the title. Essentially, Ponting will be the nucleus around which everything in IPL 2023 will revolve for DC.